Sunday, October 7, 2007

I do believe the little things can make a difference. In fact, they're often the best way to start making a difference. So, I think I may be buying a few cloth bags for myself and my parents sometime soon...

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

No, not that "forbidden fruit" of ancient myths. I'm talking about the computer company. A few weeks ago, my sister loaned me her new iPod (Red) Nano and I've been having a blast playing with it ever since.

Yet what I'm enjoying even more than all of the music I can carry with me are the multitude of podcasts which I can choose from for my listening pleasures.

Some of the tips are pretty basic, but others are really fun and interesting, and best of all, she frequently goes into the historical developments of various forms of grammar and words. Having just about caught up with all of her podcasts, I'm about to start on one of the other Quick & Dirty programs, either Money Girl, Legal Lad, or Mr. Manners.

Given all of the fun I've been having though, I was quite surprised to find that well over half the people I've talked to recently who own iPods have never even given podcasts a chance. Naturally, I had to check the statistics on this phenomenon, and while I couldn't find more recent numbers, at least back in 2005, despite as many as 22 million Americans had an iPod or other MP3 player, only some 6 million Americans had tried downloading and listening to podcasts -- less than 30%! (the percentage was higher for those under 29 yrs old -- "nearly half" -- versus those 29 or older -- "only 20 percent".)

Perhaps I shouldn't be shocked by such low numbers -- after all, I'm also well aware that there are many crappy podcasts out there (believe me, I've listened to some of them). Plus, perhaps numbers have gone up significantly since then? Additionally, for all I know, I may be bored of podcasts myself in a week or so, right?

All I can say to those questions is that personally, I have managed to find several really entertaining and educational podcasts. On top of that, I've met a number of people who haven't tried any out at all. And honestly, that's all I'm really asking in this post. How can someone own such a cool (relatively) new technological gadget like the iPod, yet never even try out the related podcasts‽ (By the way, that rarely used question/punctuation symbol is known as the interrobang.)

In hopes of helping to give podcasts a chance then (at least by me, but perhaps by you too), I'd love to hear what anyone reading this post listens to and recommends.

Also, since I'll soon be returning the Nano to my sister, yet also find myself hooked on the little toy, which should I go with if I were to buy one for myself? The iPod Classic or the Nano?

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Most people have probably seen this by now, but if you haven't, it's a must watch--truly incredible footage of the awesomeness of life. From Wikipedia:

Battle at Kruger is a viral video posted on YouTube in 2007 which was widely praised for its dramatic depiction of life on the African savannah.[1] It is one of YouTube's most popular videos, with more than 13,000,000 views and 13,000 comments as of August 2007.[2] It was also the subject of an article in the June 25, 2007 issue of Time Magazine[3] and was featured in the first episode of ABC News' i-Caught, aired on August 7, 2007. A National Geographic documentary is also planned.[4]

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Yesterday I saw an amazing film, Grbavica, winner of the Golden Bear (i.e., Best Picture) at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival, among other awards. The story takes place in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, where a single mother and child are trying to get by after the devastating Yugoslav wars of the 90s. It's a moving mixture of the mundane and the breathtaking, resulting in a heart wrenching tale that is certainly one of the better films I've seen of late.

The movie also closes with a beautiful song, "Sarajevo ljubavi moja" ("Sarajevo Love of Mine"), by Kemal Monteno. Here's a live acoustic version of it from YouTube:

Additionally, a studio cut (the version used for the film credits) choreographed to a slide show of Sarajevo photos:

Sarajevo, love of mineWe grew up together city, you and methe same blue sky gave us rhymesunder Trebevic we dreamt dreamswho will grow faster who will be nicerYou were great, and I was bornFrom Igman with a smile you sent me my dreamsA boy growing up fell in love with you thenHe stayed here, connected to his cityWherever I turn, I dream of youAll roads lead me to youI wait with some longing for your lightsSarajevo love of mineYou have your songs, and I sing themI want to tell you what I dreamThe pleasures are mine and happiness yoursSarajevo love of mineWhen the cold passes and fine May comesThe girls are nicer, give them loveWalk the walkways with sighs in the darkSome blue eyes, some tender wordsNow the boy is a man and the winter covers the mounatinThe park and hair is grey, but the snow will go awaySpring and youth will then fillmy Sarajevo, my only city

Finally, if this has wet your appetite for all things Bosnian, you may want to check out the following blog, a great resource especially if you plan to travel there one day: